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In this blog post, we’ll explore various types of poker games, including video poker. If you’ve only experienced Texas Hold’em or are a newcomer to poker, we're here to introduce you to other exciting poker variants you might enjoy. We'll guide you through some of the most popular poker games that every enthusiast should try. Additionally, we’ll break down the fundamental rules for each, so you can confidently join a game and start playing.
When exploring different types of poker, the game can vary based on several elements. These variations shape the gameplay experience, making each poker type unique. Some of the most well-known and widely played poker games include:
Texas Hold’em, often considered the “Cadillac of poker,” is the most widely known and played poker variation. It gained massive popularity after Chris Moneymaker’s victory at the 2003 WSOP Main Event. The game uses a combination of hole cards and community cards, with each player receiving two private cards and five community cards dealt throughout multiple betting rounds. Players use their hole cards and the community cards to make the best five-card hand. The game is available in different formats like No Limit, where players can bet all their chips, and Limit, which restricts bet sizes. Texas Hold’em's strategic depth and simplicity make it a top choice for both tournaments and cash games, appealing to beginners and experienced players alike.
Short Deck Poker, also known as 6+ Hold’em, is a variation of Texas Hold’em that is gaining popularity, particularly in high-stakes games and tournaments in Asia. It uses a 36-card deck, removing cards 2 through 5, making it easier to get stronger hands like pocket aces or kings. Aces can serve as both the highest and lowest card, allowing for a unique 9-high straight. Additionally, the hand rankings are slightly different, with flushes beating full houses due to their increased rarity. This game offers a fast-paced and high-volatility poker experience.
Omaha Hi/Lo, also known as Omaha8, is a poker variant derived from Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) and is played in both limit and pot limit formats. What makes Omaha Hi/Lo unique is that the pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand, provided a qualifying low hand exists. A low hand must include five cards ranked eight or lower, with A-2-3-4-5 (the "wheel") being the best possible low. While similar to PLO in betting and dealing, the low-hand aspect adds an extra layer of strategy and complexity. If no low hand qualifies, the best high hand wins the entire pot.
Seven Card Stud is a classic poker variation that was once the most popular game in the poker world before Texas Hold'em took the spotlight. Unlike Hold'em, it doesn’t involve community cards; instead, each player receives seven cards—three face-down and four face-up—during the course of the game. The objective is to form the best possible five-card hand. Players must ante up at the beginning, with the lowest up card posting the bring-in bet. The game involves multiple rounds of betting, strategic decisions, and a final showdown to determine the winner.
Five Card Draw is a classic poker game known for its simplicity and fast-paced play. Unlike Texas Hold’em, it doesn't involve community cards; instead, each player is dealt five hole cards that only they can see. After the initial betting round, players can discard and replace as many cards as they wish to improve their hand. The game is ideal for bluffing since there are only two betting rounds, making it easy for players to feign strength. It’s a popular choice for home games and is also available online for real money play.
Badugi uses a hand-ranking system similar to traditional poker, but with a twist—Aces are considered low-value cards. Instead of the typical five cards, players receive four, followed by a round of betting. The first draw then allows players to exchange up to four cards. After this, a second betting round occurs, followed by another draw and betting. This process is repeated once more before the showdown. The winner is the player with the strongest Badugi hand, composed of their four cards.
Big O is a variant of Omaha Hi/Lo, offering players more complexity by dealing five hole cards instead of four. This additional card creates many more opportunities for potential hands, making the game highly strategic but also very volatile. Players must carefully select their starting hands due to the increased possibilities for both high and low combinations. The gameplay involves chasing both high and low pots, adding layers of decision-making. While it may feel like a more action-packed version of Omaha Hi/Lo, mastering Big O requires adapting to the broader hand ranges and strategic adjustments.
Razz is a form of lowball poker, where the aim is to achieve the lowest possible hand instead of the highest. Unlike traditional poker, where aces rank high, in Razz, the ace is treated as the lowest card. The game uses a stud format, meaning players keep their cards throughout the game without the chance to trade them. The goal is to create a low-value hand using the cards dealt, making it different from most other poker variants.
8-Game Mix is a challenging poker format that combines eight different poker variations, making it one of the most intricate games. Players must be proficient in each game, as the format changes every round or time interval, rotating through games like Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, and 2-7 Triple Draw. This format tests a player's adaptability and depth of knowledge across all included variations. Mastering one or two games is not enough—success requires well-rounded skills in each variation. It's a popular choice among high-stakes poker players in Vegas, offering a true challenge for even the most seasoned players.
Chinese poker is a unique card game played with 2 to 4 players, each starting with 13 cards. Players divide their cards into three hands: a three-card “front” hand, and two five-card hands called the “middle” and the “back.” The front hand should have the lowest rank, while the back hand aims for the highest rank. Players place their hands face down in order, then reveal them and earn points based on how their hands compare to others. Special combinations, called royalties, can add extra points for a strategic edge.
Pineapple Poker is a fun variation of Texas Hold’em that adds an extra twist to the classic gameplay, making it ideal for casual play or friendly games. Like Texas Hold’em, it starts with players receiving hole cards, but with one key difference: each player is dealt three cards instead of two. At a certain point in the game—depending on the version (Classic, Crazy, or Lazy Pineapple)—players must discard one of their three cards. This discard can happen immediately, after the flop, or after the turn, adding a strategic element to choosing the right card to keep. Pineapple's blend of familiar rules and added decisions offers more action and excitement.